Flash left back Katherine Reynolds is part of the only group of defenders to start every game together this season.
The Chicago Red Stars are picking up steam ahead of what will be their 11th match of the season Wednesday night against the Flash. That will put Rory Dames’ side at the halfway mark. A win will vault the Red Stars into 5th place and within two of a playoff position. Here is a look:
Western New York Flash (5-2-2) at Chicago Red Stars (3-5-2)
Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. EDT
Benedictine University Sports Complex
Series: Flash lead, 1-0-0
Quick Look: The Flash are embroiled in a stretch of eight out of 10 matches on the road. This one marks the end of the first set of four away from Western New York. They have two-straight wins—their first two shutouts of the season—following a draw to open the stretch. The Red Stars meanwhile have won three out of four after starting the season 0-4-2. The season-opening winless streak reached its conclusion in a 2-1 loss in Rochester that saw the Red Stars take a second half lead only to give it back moments later.
Tactical Short: It is an interesting contrast in styles with the Red Stars looking to play a more physical style and the Flash looking to play through a very good midfield. The absence of Abby Wambach for international duty should help the Red Stars hold the physical advantage. But they’ll have to break through against the only back four in NWSL that has started every match together and that has now helped goalkeeper Adrianna Franch post consecutive shutouts.
